Friday, January 15, 2016

Red Pumps With Moosehair Embroidery, 1850-1875

Red shoes --
what is it about red shoes? No matter what the style or the era or material -
they hold our interest, perhaps more so than any other footwear (except maybe
Cinderella's glass slippers.)

I recently
came across this intriguing pair of mid to later 19th century pumps in the
collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. According to the object label,
they are a “Pair of red wool pumps with red leather
covered Louis heel. The wool with Native American (Huron-Wendat) moosehair
embroidery depicting colourful flowers.” Originating in North America, the
maker is unknown.[1]

In
the design, we see the Victorian style associated with footwear of this period –
rich embellishment adorns the uppers with especially detailed ornament at the
toe. The skill of the stitching for the red leather clad Louis or French heel
is especially interesting in a time when many shoe makers were opting for a “knock
on” heel. The shoes are well-made and the design, well-balanced and
proportioned – a visual delight.